HISTORY
As the 1990s drew to a close a group of proactive citizens who recognized the needs of many of the area’s families with young children began the work of establishing a regional center where school-age children could have fun and learn in a safe and structured environment. The result of their efforts is The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Merrimack Valley, Located in the former Salisbury Memorial School, the club has been a second home to more than two thousand members and is today an essential part of the lives of hundreds of young families.
Timeline:
Sept. 16, 2001 -
The Club opened its doors with 16 original members. The Club quickly became a leader in afterschool enrichment programs in the Lower Merrimac Valley. Every year the Club's membership grows larger and every year the Club creates new programs for the children to participate in. The Club serves children 6-18 years old from Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley, Byfield, Merrimac, Hampton, NH, Seabrook, NH and other surrounding communities. While our achievements are extensive, we are committed to aggressively expanding our services to reach more children. With the help of all the individuals, corporations, and foundations who share our beliefs in the potential of all girls and boys, regardless of their circumstances, we look to the future with great optimism.
Sept. 2002 -
Club moves to main facility at old Memorial School in Salisbury.
Oct. 2002 -
Club offers Bon Appetite Cooking Program at Michael’s Harborside Restaurant
Nov. 2002 -
First Family Fun Night is offered.
June 2003 -
Club wins first Program Award for Bon Appetite Cooking Program.
Aug. 2003 -
Membership reaches 300.
Oct. 2003 -
First co-ed floor hockey program offered.
Sept. 2003 -
Teen Program initiated.
Oct. 2004 -
Kidzrock Program begins, weight room opens.
Jun. 2004 -
Club wins 2nd program award for Strong Minds/Strong Bodies.
Sept. 2004 -
Mangini Award given to Program Director, Jason Cooper.
Oct. 2004 -
Membership reaches 500.
Jun. 2005 -
Jim Keenan named Executive Director of the year, North East Region by North East Professional Association (Yankee Chapter).
Jun. 2005 -
Club wins four awards for outstanding programs: Kidzrock, North Star Adventure Program, Strong Minds/Strong Bodies and 21st Century Program.
Sept. 2005 -
Membership reaches 700.
Dec. 2005 -
Boys high school travel basketball team first season.
May 2006 -
Club wins two awards for outstanding programs, Youth Exploration in Science & Strong Minds/Strong Bodies.
May 2007 -
Club wins two awards for outstanding programs: Strong Minds & Strong Bodies and Project Build.
Sept. 2006 –
Membership reaches 1000
Dec. 2007 –
Girls high school travel basketball first season.
May 2008 –
Outside recreation fields upgraded.
Sept. 2008 –
New gym floor installed.
Dec. 2008 –
New flooring installed through out Club.
July 2008 –
Summer program exceeds 200 youth.
Sept. 2008 –
Library opens.
Sept. 2009 –
Membership reaches 1400.
Dec. 2009 –
Club Bucks introduced and Club Store opens.
Sept. 2010 –
Club Video PSA completed.
May. 2011 –
Administrative Offices re-done.
Nov. 2011 –
Two Club members reach regional finals of NBA Dribble, Dish & Swish. They also get a picture with the Celtics championship trophy.
Dec. 2011 –
Interactive Zone Opens.
Dec. 2011 –
Digital Arts Studio Opens.
Dec. 2011 –
Drama & Library Rooms re-painted.
Dec. 2011 –
Youth Exploration in Science program kicks off.
Sept. 2012 –
Youth served reaches 2500.
Jan. 2012 –
Photography program begins.
Feb. 2012 –
Theater Arts program presents “The Wizard of Oz” to a capacity crowd.
Apr. 2012 –
Club hosts 150 youth for Anti-Bullying Jamboree.
Apr. 2012 –
New PSA Video unveiled.
